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Amanda Holden has said she is “glad” people are seeing a “good side” to Piers Morgan during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Good Morning Britain presenter is usually highly divisive and often criticised for his opinions, but has won praise for his coverage of the virus on the ITV breakfast show.
In particular, Piers has been praised for the way he has held government ministers to account during interviews.
Amanda, who worked with Piers on Britain’s Got Talent until he quit as a judge in 2011, has said she “adores” the “brave” star because he “never, ever sits on the fence”.
Speaking to Metro, she said: “He is somebody that always puts things into perspective. He certainly makes me laugh, if I ever need any advice about anything, I think, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe that’s been written about me or said’, he’s always like, ‘Just think about the bigger picture or what it means’, and I adore him for that.’
“I know who he really is, he plays a pantomime baddie on GMB, but in reality he’s a very funny family man who does have huge opinions on things but is happy to listen, always happy to do you a favour.”
Amanda added that Piers was one of three men in her life, along with her husband and fellow BGT judge Simon Cowell, that she could always rely upon in a crisis.
She said: “If I was in dire straits I would pick up the phone to Piers and he knows I would do the same for him so he’s a proper friend and I’m glad people are seeing a good side to him.”
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However, while many have been impressed with Piers’ interviews with government ministers during the crisis, his direct approach hasn’t been without controversy.
More than 3,000 complaints were made to the TV watchdog Ofcom following two interviews with Care Minister Helen Whately on GMB last month.
Another 600 viewers also complained about Piers’ interview with Health Secretary Matt Hancock on 16 April.
However, the regulator announced they would not be taking the matter any further, noting that Piers is “well-known for his combative interviewing style” and viewers would expect him to challenge senior politicians.
The presenter has since hit out at a supposed government ban on any active ministers appearing on GMB, calling it “pathetic and cowardly”.
Piers tweeted on Thursday: “The UK Govt has banned any ministers from appearing on [Good Morning Britain] after a series of them made complete fools of themselves in the face of basic & important questions.”
Addressing the official Twitter accounts for Boris Johnson and 10 Downing Street, he continued: “This is a pathetic & cowardly response to THEIR shameful incompetence.”